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In a statement they said: "For Essex primary schools, 88.13 per cent of pupils were offered their parents’ first preference of school. A further 7.12 per cent were offered their second preference, meaning 95.25 per cent have been offered either their first or second preference.

"For secondary schools 86.21 per cent of pupils were offered their parents' first preference of school. A further 7.44 per cent were offered their second preference, meaning 93.65 per cent have been offered either their first or second preference."

Some primary schools had over two children applying for each place

Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, added: "We remain committed to ensuring young people in Essex receive the best possible education and I am delighted we have again been able to offer the vast majority of children their preferred place this year.